Contact:
George Johnson - Training Coordinator                                                     215-684-8049

The Pre-Apprenticeship Program focuses on creating employment opportunities for PHA residents in the trades by providing a comprehensive introduction to carpentry, plumbing, painting, and electrical work. The program is supported by various sections: Adult Education/GED training, Life Skills, case management, work readiness, and Union testing preparation. In addition to the many skills acquired in this program, students will also be offered certifications in OSHA, RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting), and forklift driving. We also offer classes in financial literacy, cultural awareness, and weatherization. A series of speakers will be scheduled to provide a realistic view of the employer/employee's expectations. Placement into union employment opportunities marks a progressive step to completion of the program.

Location:

• Workforce Development Center - 1905 Vare Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145

Prerequisites:

• Passed drug test
• No criminal background preferred
• GED/High School Diploma Preferred

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, 8-4pm

Program and Curriculum

• Painting
• • Intro to tools of the trade
  • Demonstrations of application and protection
  • Erecting of ladders & scaffolds
  • OSHA & RRP certifications

• Plumbing
  
  • Introduction to basic plumbing, code book introduction
  • Use and care of tools associated with the trades
  • Plumbing fixtures and appliances
  • Soldering and brazing
  • Safety
  • Drainage systems

• Electrical
  
  • Electrical safety and specifications
  • Demonstration of tools and wiring techniques
  • Union policies
  • Hands-on wiring

• Carpentry
  
  • Construction materials
  • Measuring and laying materials
  • Using power tools
  • Safety, site conditions, and equipment

• Weatherization
  
  • General diagnostic principles
  • Air flow
  • Heat loss and moisture control
  • Weatherization fundamentals
  • Air sealing
  • Materials and building science

Placement:

• Union testing preparation and registration and industry placement

Outcomes:

• Graduates will pass the union exam, certifying their completion of the Pre-Apprenticeship Program
• Students gain an extensive knowledge and expertise in electrical systems, roofing, painting, and carpentry
• They will have also gained independence from hiring contracted work on their home, as they can now do most jobs themselves
• OSHA 10 Certification
• RRP
• Forklift Certification
• Welding Certification
• Basic principles and safety of the four trades

Application Process:

• Residents can apply at the Workforce Development Center, 1905 Vare Ave Philadelphia, PA 19145 starting 120 days prior to the beginning of the next cycle
• Applications must be made at 9am; applicants will take a 2 hour exam to determine their current academic standing
• The Training Coordinator will review the application and interview the applicant
• The prequalified applicant will be invited to the next step of the process; 30 days prior to the new cycle, a drug test and criminal background check will be administered
• After clearance on both tests, the prequalified applicant will be considered accepted into the program.